The Awesome Bad Universe

This past Sunday night, at 10 pm locally, Bad Universe finally aired. If you haven't heard about the show, or what it's about, let me fill you in on some of the backstory.

Phil Plait, the host of the show, is an astronomer. He's also the author of Bad Astronomy and Death from the Skies, a blogger, and a debunker. I first discovered his original Bad Astronomy website several years ago, and have been a regular reader ever since. This past year, my wife bought me both of his books, and I devoured them in three days. I even stood an egg on it's end just after Christmas (read Bad Astronomy to get the reference).

So when I heard he was coming out with a TV show, Bad Universe, I was overjoyed. When I saw the previews, and the similarities to Mythbusters, it was like discovering that not only was Santa real, but you're his favorite nephew.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch it on Sunday night, but I have a DVR. As soon as I got my chores done on Monday, I sat down in front of the TV to watch BU. Well, the twins were having none of that, so I postponed it for when we put them to bed. Finally, we fixed Peep and Boo's nightcap and Princess and I sat down on the couch to be enterained by the Bad Astronomer while waiting for them to fall asleep.

I wasn't disappointed. The show is based on his last book, Death from the Skies. In the book he goes through various astronomical phenomena that could have a drastic effect on us Earthbound bipeds. One of those scenarios was a meteor/asteroid/comet impact. That was the topic for his first show.

It starts off with a cartoon style title sequence. For those who've read DftS, you'll recognize several of the scenes there. The art itself has the feel of dark but humorous, which I think could also accurately describe the show itself. I thought it was a great lead-in to the show, and even though I'd seen it before I still watched it to see the little details I missed.

The show itself deals with scientific subjects, but isn't heavy on science. I think of it as sneaky-science. You're entertained but you also learn something without actually realizing it. I won't go into any spoilers, but he does several experiments to show the effect of an Earth impactor, as well as the effects of different methods of NEO deflection. Including the one that just doesn't work.

There's more detail to the show, but I would recommend that you watch it to see it. I'm assuming (and hoping!!) that the show will actually air again, though. Even better would be more episodes. I'm a big fan of science shows (Wonders of the Solar System is one of my current faves), and the sneaky-science shows like Mythbusters. Having another one to look forward to watching won't bother me one bit.

Now, as I said, Princess watched it with me, so what was her take on it? Paraphrasing:

"I enjoyed it, but he isn't as enthusiastic as Adam [Savage]." (Yes, my wife enjoys Mythbusters, too.)

I have to agree with her. Perhaps it was the hectic schedule, or even nerves, though. If I remember correctly, even Adam was more subdued during the first episodes of Mythbusters. However, now Adam's enthusiasm has become an integral and entertaining part of Mythbusters, and has only added to an already awesome show.

I can only hope that Phil gets his chance to show his personality more, and his enthusiasm (passion) for all things astronomical. In order to do that Discovery Channel needs to air more shows. I know I'd be sitting down to watch it.